The Development and Impact of Hong Taiji’s Artillery Corps (1631–1643)

Abstract

Abstract This study retraces the development of the Later Jin/Qing artillery corps between 1631 and 1642, examines the factors that led to its success, and evaluates its military and socio-political impact. The newly established artillery corps, under the direction of the talented Hong Taiji, learned effectively from its participation in sieges and developed the relevant military knowledge. By 1642, it had turned from an auxiliary force into a full-fledged unit that played a decisive role in siege warfare. The success of the Qing artillery corps greatly facilitated the Qing conquest of China (1644–1683). Moreover, the military performance of the artillery corps in the time period led to the multiple expansions and the ultimate institutionalization of the Han Eight Banner Army (baqi Hanjun).